There are several things that you should do after a car accident. One important step is
to seek medical attention for your injuries. Before recovering compensation for
injuries, losses, and damages after a car accident, the insurance company will
require medical evidence to support your injury claim. If you wait too long
after a car wreck to see the doctor, the insurance company might argue that
your injuries are not related to the accident. Therefore, it is usually best to
see a doctor right away so you can receive a correct diagnosis for your injuries
and begin a treatment plan.

At some point, the insurance company will request copies of your medical records. The
insurance adjuster might ask you to sign a medical release or medical
authorization form. Are you required to sign this form?

Medical Records for a Car Accident Claim

You will need to give the insurance company copies of the relevant medical records for
your car accident. Without proof of injury, the insurance company is not
required to pay a claim. However, we strongly recommend discussing your case
with an Erie car accident attorney before signing any forms, especially a
medical authorization form.

Insurance companies search for reasons to undervalue or deny injury claims. One way to
avoid paying a claim is to allege that the injury is the result of a
pre-existing condition, such as an injury from a prior accident. To determine if
you have a pre-existing condition, the insurance company may attempt to view
your entire medical history or as much of your medical history as possible. If
you sign a medical authorization form that does not specifically limit the
medical records the insurance company may request, the company could request your
entire medical file. It is an old insurance tactic, but an effective one
nonetheless.

How Can an Attorney Help Me if I Have a Pre-Existing Condition?

A pre-existing condition does not mean that the person who caused your car accident is not
responsible for your current injuries and damages. Courts throughout
Pennsylvania have held that a person is liable for damages, even if the injury
is an aggravation of the pre-existing condition. However, it is easy for insurance
companies to allege that victims should receive less money or no money because of
a pre-existing condition.

With expert testimony and evidence, an attorney can help you fight the allegation to prove
that you deserve full compensation for all damages. These types of cases are
complicated. It is best to meet them head-on instead of allowing the insurance
company to discover the information by digging through your medical records. If
you have a pre-existing condition, you want to talk to an Erie personal injury
lawyer as soon as possible. Your attorney can handle when and how to present medical
evidence.

Contact an Erie Car Accident Attorney Today for a Free Case Review

Don’t let an insurance adjuster pressure you into signing medical authorizations and release
forms without consulting an attorney. You have the right to speak with an
attorney and to have an attorney review all forms before you sign them. Make
sure you exercise that right to protect your best interests after a car crash.

Call The Travis Law Firm at (800) 401-2066 to
schedule a free
legal consultation with an Erie personal injury attorney.

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"I would Highly recommend Attorney Travis. He and his staff very friendly and professional. I was quite concerned over my case, Attorney Travis took the time to explain everything to me and made me feel confident he could help me.
Everything worked out great. I really appreciate his personal and professional help."

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"Highly recommend Grant Travis and his staff. The best decision I’ve ever made was to hire him to represent my case. The knowledge and professionalism of Grant and his staff is top notch! You will not go wrong chosing him to represent you! Thanks again Grant!!"